Emberwood [m]Reach for light.

The spirit floated alongside the man, her presence looming large as she refused to budge from his side unless he forced her. He swayed horribly, and she couldn't help but wonder if he was finally going to collapse under the weight of his own arrogance. Meeting his venomous words with only an amused, piercing stare, she let the silence stretch between them, relishing in the tension that crackled in the air.

Fine by me, Grackle replied finally, with a nonchalant shrug. She paused to spit up a glob of blood, then ran her tongue along her teeth, relieved to find them intact. Taking a moment to look over the prickly boy once again, she couldn't help but smirk. He was like an angry kitten, all puffed up and ready to scratch.

And then, because she couldn't resist teasing him a little more, the woman sauntered past him with gritted teeth, her tail held high in defiance. You know, if I were at full strength, you'd be in for a real fight, Bonnie, she taunted, her voice laced with amusement, but alas, I haven't had a proper meal in months. Grackle turned back to him with a flick of her tattered ear, a devilish grin painting her bloody maw, Maybe I could give you some pointers sometime.